In this series of posts, the storm-wise are sharing hurricane information with the new residents of the city. Followers of the NewinNola.com blog and Twitter feed have already formulated hurricane preparation queries at meetups and on their blog.

We asked our prize-winning resident hurricane expert, Mark Schleifstein of the Times-Picayune/NOLA.com, to provide some answers.

NewinNola question: How do you decide whether to stay or evacuate?

Mark Schleifstein: A news conference of elected public officials will tell you if they are recommending or ordering an evacuation. Your best bet is to listen to them.

If you do evacuate, how far do you need to go?

MS: This will depend on where the hurricane makes landfall, and how large it is, and whether you are inside or outside the levee systems. You should decide now on a location far enough north to be out of the way of storm surge. Remember, if a major evacuation is ordered, the closest motels may be outside Louisiana.

What is 'contraflow'? I just heard this term.

MS: Contraflow is an evacuation plan to use all lanes of the Interstate in one direction. On the east side of New Orleans, all lanes will funnel all traffic east, and all traffic on the west side to go west. Interstate 55 will be one-way north.

If I evacuate, what do I need to do before I leave?

MS: Determine if you can turn off your electricity, natural gas and water. If you can, do so.

Is there anything I can do to prevent possible flooding of my home? Sand bags around the doors? Where do I get them?

MS: Again, this is location-dependent. In parishes outside the levee systems, sand bags may be available in advance of some storms. Inside the levee systems, it will be difficult to get sand bags, unless you make them yourself.

Do I need to board up my windows? If I'm in an apartment, is it my responsibility or my landlord's to do the hurricane prep?

MS: If you are able to board your windows, it can prevent damage from high winds. If you are in an apartment, you should check with your landlord. Now.

If I do stay, what do I need to have?

M.S.: If public officials tell you to leave, leave. If you don't have transportation, contact your local emergency preparedness office.

Does the water go out during a hurricane?

M.S. The water can go out if the power fails at your water treatment plant.

M.S. Make provisions now. However, at least in New Orleans, the emergency plan will include transport of cats and dogs to a shelter out of the area. Animals must have proper inocculations.

What about my older neighbor?

M.S. Folks who are elderly or have special needs should contact local emergency managers if they or their family are unable to make arrangements on their own. Those arrangements should be in place at the beginning of the hurricane season.